Villarreal Plan Crouch Swoop

Villarreal will attempt to prise Peter Crouch away from Liverpool if their bid to sign Valladolid's Joseba LLorente breaks down, but will be looking to lower the Reds' asking price.

The Yellow Submarine are planning to add three or four new faces to their squad and a striker is one of the key areas where the club want to bolster their options.

Llorente has been a long-term target for coach Manuel Pellegrini, but if Valladolid remain in the Spanish top flight then they will want to retain the 28-year-old's services for another season.

If that happens, or if la Pucela raise his asking price beyond Villarreal's means, then they will turn to Anfield and make an approach to Rafa Benítez for Crouch.

While the Red's manager has placed a €20m asking price on the former Tottenham, QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Southampton striker's head, that may go down for a foreign side.

With Giuseppe Rossi and Nihat Kahveci giving the squad the short and speedy option, Pellegrini is set to off-load either Guille Franco or Jon Dahl Tomasson and wants a replacement.

Also on the agenda at El Madrigal is Barcelona's Edmílson, who is believed to have undergone a medical, and Portsmouth's England defender Sol Campball, who has had Villarreal recommended to him by Robert Pirès.

Rafa Wants Trophies To Add To Records

Fernando Torres finished the season on a high but boss Rafael Benitez insists the bottom line is that Liverpool have failed to win a trophy.

Torres took his tally of league goals to 24 by clinching a 2-0 win at Tottenham, edging ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy's record for goals scored by a foreigner in a rookie season.

Benitez bought 'El Nino' for more than £20million from Atletico Madrid last summer, which appears a bargain for what the Spain striker has delivered.

"Always when you sign a player you do not know if he will settle down and how he will do in the Premier League, but Torres is a young player who is hungry and wanted to do well," Benitez said.

"Sometimes you sign a player for a free transfer and people say he is bad signing.

"Then other times you can sign a player for a lot of money and he does well and everyone is happy, so lucky for us he is a good signing.

"He is one of the best strikers in the Premier League and is the best for us.

"We had spoken about the record. After the last game he said he wanted to play in this one and score here."

Despite Torres' prolific first season, scoring 33 in all competitions, Liverpool still finished the campaign empty-handed.

There were other personal accolades, with Jose Reina again keeping a clean sheet, but Liverpool fell short in cup competitions and drifted out of contention in the league.

Benitez added: "We did not win silverware but you talk about 119 goals, the goalkeeper has won the Golden Gloves Award again for the third time in a row.

"And with Torres, he was terrific at scoring and 76 points is a good total for us. There are a lot of positive things from this season, but the most important thing is we did not win a trophy."

Benitez will now look to strengthen his squad over the summer.

"Our idea is to finish as high up as possible and to win trophies was a priority, but we know this season has been very difficult for us," he added.

"We are working hard to improve the squad. Throughout the whole season we are watching players and trying to sign the players we need.

"We want to sign the best players as soon as possible and I think we will get investment from the owners, so we can go forward."

He could also let Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant go, with neither in the matchday squad for the final game of the season.

"Some of the players here are under contract and they are our players and we are waiting now to see if clubs are interested in them," he added.

Andriy Voronin opened the scoring at White Hart Lane in the 69th minute, with Torres grabbing his goal five minutes later.

"I think you have to give all the credit to Torres. He has had a great season and although he had a bit of space for the goal, he has played well," said Spurs head coach Juande Ramos.

Defeat meant Spurs finished in the bottom half, although they still did a lap of honour to parade the Carling Cup they won in February.

"I think we maybe did suffer after the Carling Cup success, maybe we achieved our target too soon," Ramos said.

Benitez Keen To Commit To Liverpool

Rafael Benitez reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool by stating that he is "happy' at Anfield despite the ongoing boardroom battle.

The ownership row at Anfield between estranged co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett has cast a decidedly unsettling aura over the Reds’ season and with no trophies this term and seemingly less security surrounding his position, it has even been speculated that Benitez may take matters into his own hands and return to Spain.

Benitez, however, has refuted such reports and insists that he is most of all just keen to have confirmed that he has the complete faith of the controlling interests of the club.

"I would like to know my situation because every manager likes to have his position clarified," said the Spaniard.

"I haven't spoken with the owners about a new contract because I am concentrating on bringing in players for next season.

"I think it will be done before the start of the season. The owners have said that will be the case, so that is good. They are trying to improve the situation at the club.

"I am happy here. That is important when you look to sign players because they want to know the manager is happy and that they are joining the right club."

Benitez - We Need To Improve

Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool need to improve in all areas if they are to secure the Premier League title next season.

The Reds, who finished their season with a 2-0 win away to Tottenham thanks to goals from Andrei Voronin and Fernando Torres, finished fourth in the table this term after being tipped to compete for the top-flight silverware at the beginning of the campaign.

And manager Benitez confesses he will venture into the summer transfer market in a bid to close the 11-point gap to champions Manchester United.

"We want to win trophies," Benitez told Sky Sports News. "But we saw this year that we are closer. We drew some games, but we will try to improve this next season.

"Clearly if you want to close the gap you need to improve. Sometimes with the players you have you can reduce the gap, but you need to do almost everything perfectly."

Benitez, though, insists he will not be actively looking to sell the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Xabi Alonso, John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch - who were all left out of the Liverpool squad at White Hart Lane - in a bid to raise funds for a shopping spree.

Crouch has been especially strongly linked with a move elsewhere, but Benitez - who has placed a £15million asking price on the striker - is adamant that he is keen to keep the forward, despite hinting that offers would not be ignored.

"We offered Peter Crouch a new contract so we showed that we wanted to keep him," Benitez continued.

"I told him, I was very clear, if someone wants to sign him they can talk with us but he is a player that is different and is a good player and we have confidence in him.

"Xabi Alonso was injured so he didn't travel. Pennant ad Riise are not here because I was trying to use the squad. They are under contracts so they are our players.

"I don't have any problems. The problem will be if we receive offers because they are playing really well."

Anderson In Dark Over Future

Liverpool starlet Paul Anderson admits he does not know where he will be playing next season.

The 19-year-old has just spent the season on loan at League One champions Swansea and he impressed hugely.

Anderson, who grabbed 10 goals for The Swans, is now unsure what the future holds, although he expects to be away from Anfield again.

He said: "I know I'm going back on loan, but haven't got a clue for what team.

"I know there are quite a lot of clubs interested, but I'll just have to wait and see what happens."

Liverpool & Bolton To Discuss Guthrie

Bolton Wanderers are set to hold talks with Liverpool over the permanent signing of midfield starlet Danny Guthrie.

Twenty-one-year-old Guthrie has spent the season on loan with Wanderers this season and has an impressive campaign, becoming an important factor in their survival in the Barclays Premier League.

Bolton boss Gary Megson is therefore keen to sign the player permanently and tie down the young Englishman to a long-term contract. Megson is set to hold talks with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez in the coming days over a cut-price £1.5 million transfer.

With Liverpool already strong in central-midfield with the likes of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, along with Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry still being heavily linked with the club, a future on Merseyside looks unlikely for the youngster.

Guthrie made 25 Premier League appearances and also featured 7 times in the UEFA Cup this season and has himself stated that he is happy to stay at the Reebok Stadium having thoroughly enjoyed his loan spell at the club.

Rafa Ready To Ring The Changes

Rafa Benitez is hoping to start his summer rebuilding program at Liverpool as soon as possible.

The Reds finished 11 points behind Premier League champions Manchester United this season, and are desperate to mount a serious bid for the crown next year.

Benitez admits that alterations to the personnel at Anfield are imperative, and has already drawn up a list of targets.

However, rather than wait for the transfer market to begin in earnest over the summer, the Spaniard is keen to get the process in motion immediately.

"We are working hard to improve the squad," Benitez said.

"Throughout the whole season, we are watching players and trying to sign the players we need.

"We want to sign the best players as soon as possible and I think we will get investment from the owners, so we can go forward."

Benitez already has the foundations of a title-chasing team in place, but needs to complement his big-game players with more world-class talent.

Fernando Torres has been a revelation during his first season in England, while Jose Reina continues to provide a solid last line of defence.

Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano are all proven at the highest level, but silverware continues to elude the Reds.

"We did not win silverware but you talk about 119 goals, the goalkeeper has won the Golden Gloves Award again for the third time in a row," said Benitez.

"And with Torres, he was terrific at scoring and 76 points is a good total for us. There are a lot of positive things from this season, but the most important thing is we did not win a trophy."

Tottenham 0 - 2 LiverpooL

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres wrapped up victory at Tottenham to set a record for goals scored by a foreigner in his first season in the Premier League.

Torres' goal was his 24th since arriving from Atletico Madrid, taking him past Ruud van Nistelrooy's total when he arrived at Manchester United.

Andriy Voronin had opened the scoring at White Hart Lane as Liverpool ended their season on a high, while Spurs' fizzled out as it has done since winning the Carling Cup.

Should this be a farewell to Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, it was a subdued one, although perhaps not the game to bring the best out of him. Aside from Torres needing his goal, there was nothing significant to play for.

Spurs had a chance of moving up a place to 10th - earning an extra £720,000 in merit payment from the league - while Liverpool had already secured fourth.

Rafael Benitez's season has appeared overshadowed by the power struggle behind the scenes at Anfield and a reminder of their problems was the sight of co-owner George Gillett in the directors' box next to chief executive Rick Parry.

A tier below them was Benitez and Juande Ramos, two Spaniards looking to improve their respective teams.

Ramos wants to gatecrash the top four with Spurs, while Benitez wants a title challenge rather than playing in end-of-season sideshows when the main events of the day are elsewhere.

Benitez's team selection appeared to point towards the players he wants to keep next season when Liverpool will try again for their first title since 1990.

Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant were left out of the matchday squad, fuelling uncertainty over the future of the pair in the summer.

There was little to choose from the two teams in the early stages, with Radek Cerny saving comfortably from Voronin, then getting stretched a little more when Ryan Babel found a yard on the edge of the area.

Berbatov produced an impish flick for the hosts in the penalty box, after Jermaine Jenas had cut in from the right, but no Spurs player was on the end of the move.

It was Berbatov who almost opened the scoring, in the 26th minute, jumping with Jonathan Woodgate and beating his team-mate to O'Hara's corner. Jose Reina palmed the effort away at full stretch.

Steven Gerrard attempted to up the tempo from the centre-midfield, and the intensity was raised when Javier Mascherano clattered into Alan Hutton.

Uriah Rennie chose not to book the Liverpool midfielder, then Hutton escaped a caution shortly afterwards when he brought down Babel at the byline.

Torres almost broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Gerrard surged towards the penalty area and was brought down by Didier Zokora as he released Torres.

Play was allowed to continue and the Liverpool striker sent Cerny the wrong way with his finish, but the Spurs goalkeeper managed to save with his feet.

Cerny was called into action again in the 58th minute when the ball broke to Voronin on the edge of the area but the low shot lacked direction.

Gerrard was guilty of losing his radar with his passes and one error gifted the ball to Steed Malbranque in a dangerous position. The Frenchman fed Robbie Keane but the finish was dragged wide.

Reina then flicked a Tom Huddlestone cross off Berbatov's head, while Gerrard had a couple of efforts, one straight at Cerny and the other dipping over the crossbar.

The deadlock was broken 21 minutes from time when Alvaro Arbeloa angled a long ball from right to left towards the penalty area. Torres flicked on with his head and Voronin poked past Cerny.

Berbatov almost replied immediately but Reina tipped over his powerful volley.

Then came Torres' goal in the 74th minute, twisting and turning past Michael Dawson and slotting past Cerny. It could have got worse for Spurs but Cerny saved Hutton from an embarrassing own goal. Torres also grazed the crossbar with a chip.

Madrid Ready For Alonso Swoop

Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso could be the first Real Madrid signing this summer according to reports in Spain.

Marca has claimed that Rafa Benitez has given the move the go-ahead and Alonso could be a Merengues player by the time he leaves for the European Championships.

It seems as if Real are acting quickly as they do not want to lose out to other clubs who are also interested in the Liverpool midfielder.

The Reds are asking for €28 million but it seems that Real will be able to complete the operation with €24 million.

Reports have also suggested that Los Blancos may throw in Ruben de la Red in order to try and pay a lower transfer fee for their target.

Juventus have also been after the midfielder but it seems likely that Real will land their man as Alonso is not keen on a move to Italy and instead he wants to return to his native Spain.

Meanwhile, Bernd Schuster’s side will be hoping they can continue their La Liga triumph with a win against Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Babel Keen To Make Euro 2008 Impact

For Ryan Babel, the youngster Marco van Basten once claimed could emulate Thierry Henry, this season has been one long learning curve.

But while senior Liverpool colleagues Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch will be watching Euro 2008 on television, Babel will be showcasing his skills at the finals in Austria and Switzerland as a mainstay of the Holland squad.

And having started the campaign as a raw, high-speed flyer who did not complete 90 minutes in a match until March, Babel is ending it being compared to Liverpool legend John Barnes.

Babel, 21, was raised in a tough migrant high-rise estate in Amsterdam.

De Bijlmer is an infamous housing project in Holland, and he says: "I think 'ghetto' is the wrong word for it, but it wasn't a very good neighbourhood in the '90s. There was a lot of crime."

But while many of his peers were slipping into a life of petty and more serious misdemeanours, Babel was getting noticed for his amazing talent.

He progressed through the Ajax ranks, and started benefiting from the guidance of the great Van Basten, reserve team coach at the time but now in charge of the national team.

Babel said: "He taught me a lot of things, the smart little things that a striker should know."

In Holland, the youngster became an instant superstar, scoring on his full international debut and ending last summer with a winners' medal from the European Under-21 Championships.

That form brought him to Liverpool's attention, and an £11.5million fee secured his arrival at Anfield.

But while consistently retaining his place in the full Holland squad, Babel's education really started under Rafael Benitez's watchful eye at Liverpool.

The initial impression was of a headless chicken, all raging pace but no final product. He specialised in losing possession after the fourth tackle, or running into blind alleys.

But slowly Benitez has knocked off those rougher edges, and he has figured prominently in Liverpool's European run while reaching double figures for goals.

Benitez initially used him as an impact player, coming off the bench to murder tiring defenders. Now he is usually on from the start.

Babel said: "Under Rafa's guidance my level of performance has definitely improved since I left Ajax. I feel stronger and am more direct with my actions on the pitch.

"The boss knows what he wants from players and I know what he wants from me. He confirms that all the time. He makes sure that I know my job.

"I have always liked to play from a standing position, with the ball played to my feet when I can then take off on a run.

"But Rafa has already coached more movement into me. I am learning these things all the time, and it is improving my development."

Babel was concerned by the 'impact' tag, and said: "I was realistic. I knew at the beginning of the season that I could not last a full match at this better level in the Premier League.

"It's much quicker. And the manager also knew what I could and couldn't do which is why I have been brought into the side slowly.

"I have heard people say I am an impact player, coming off the bench. But I prefer not to let it worry me, I just prefer to focus on my game as and when I do play.

"It was similar when I first started as a 17-year-old at Ajax. I would come on in the second-halves of matches and I often had that same impact with lots of late goals.

"But like at Liverpool, which was just at the beginning of my career at the club. Soon I was starting matches and I am now pleased to have graduated to something like that situation at Liverpool.

"It was just a matter of time until I started to make an impact from the start of matches.

"In Holland you only have to play to your maximum level in four games. With Ajax, you can play to 70% and still win against the others.

"I've found here, though, that every game is massive. Even against the bottom teams you have to be at your best to win."

Babel can be more than happy with his first season in England, and now he heads for the European finals intent on another chapter in am emerging career that will benefit club and country.

Stadium Will Open On Time Despite Rift, Promises Hicks

Liverpool owner Tom Hicks has promised work on the club's new 60,000- seat stadium at Stanley Park will start in September and be open for matches in 2011.

Hicks made his vow after Liverpool City Council last week granted planning permission for the new ground.

There are fears among Liverpool fans that the current impasse at board level between co-owners Hicks and George Gillett will cause a delay in the stadium being built.

But Hicks allayed those worries by saying: "Site work will start in September and actual construction in late October/early November, with completion in time for the season starting in August 2011."

Manager Rafa Benitez believes a new stadium is essential to Liverpool staying in the Big Four in the long term.

"I am concentrating on my team right now but it's clear it will be a massive help to Liverpool to have a bigger stadium," said the Spaniard. "To get larger crowds will help bring in money to sign top players."

Benitez is under pressure to sell this summer before he can bring in the three players he needs — including top targets Gareth Barry from Aston Villa and Barcelona's Eric Abidal.

He is desperate for Peter Crouch to join Villa as part of a swap deal with Barry and is annoyed that Crouch's agents are trying to get a £75,000-a-week offer from Portsmouth.

Martin O'Neill has been offered Scott Carson, John Arne Riise and Crouch for Barry but Liverpool wanted cash as well — something O'Neill is reluctant to pay as he regards Barry as more valuable than Crouch, who only has one year left on his contract.

Crouch is interested in a return to Villa Park but he also has a strong loyalty to Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, while a move to Manchester City would allow him to keep his north-west home.

Benitez expects to land Borussia Dortmund fullback Philipp Deggen on a free transfer.

Rafa: New Signings Will Be 'Hungry'

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says that a winning mentality will be a main determinant in whether he signs a player this summer.

After another trophyless season for Liverpool,Rafa Benitez is once again looking to strengthen his squad and he knows exactly what type of characteristics he is looking for in a player.

"We need players who are hungry, people who want to win trophies," he told the club's official website.

"We are only interested in signing the players that we need. For example if we need a right-back, we'll try and sign one. Why do we need to sign the best striker in the world, when we have one of the best here already? We just need to do the right things in the right moment."

"This season we could see the reaction of everyone under pressure," he added.

"That was important information for the future. We saw how people reacted during a difficult time."

According to media reports, areas that may be strengthened are the the wings and full-backs, Gareth Barry, David Bentley and Schalke's Rafinha and Eric Abidal are just some of the names recently linked with the Reds.

Barry Ready To Quit Villa - Report

Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is ready to quit the club and move to Liverpool, according to reports.

The England midfielder has been heavily linked with a ₤10 million move to Merseyside in recent weeks, where he would link up with friend and national-team colleague Steven Gerrard.

New of the World have reported that the 27-year-old will hand in his transfer request this week, thus ending his 10-year career at Villa Park.

"Gareth feels it's time to move on," said an inside source. "He's given his all to Villa but feels he now needs the new challenge and the opportunity to compete at the very top of the Premier League."

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Barry, but Liverpool remain the favourites due to the fact they can offer him regular football in a number of positions across midfield and defence.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has slammed the manner in which the Reds have handled the situation and will not let his skipper leave cheaply.

But the former Celtic manager understands he cannot stop Barry from leaving if he so desires, and may push for a part player-swap deal involving Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

Liverpool FC's Pepe Reina Claims Premier League's Golden Gloves Award

Liverpool’s Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina has claimed the Barclays Premier League’s golden gloves award for the third season in succession ahead of today's final game of the season at Tottenham.

Reina has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the top flight, and is assured of the title this season with closest rival David James out injured in Portsmouth’s final game of the campaign.

But Reina is more concerned with Liverpool’s overall progress following a campaign that has seen them trophyless for the second season on the trot, while already being assured of fourth spot in the table and Champions League qualification for next term.

Reina said: “We are growing up as a team, year in and year out. We need to keep improving all the time because if you do that it gives you an even better chance of winning trophies.

“But we also need to bring in some more good players like Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano.

“The most important thing is to keep on making progress so that we can get closer and closer to the sides at the top.

“We will work hard to make this happen, though, and I am sure the manager is already thinking of bringing in some players to help us to do that.

“It is a collective thing. There is no point in three or four players doing well if we do not all do well.

“You win as a team and you lose as a team, so it is all about making progress as a team.

“We are still a young side. We have a couple of centre-backs in their early 20s, Mascherano is 23 and Torres is 24 - we can only get better and better.”

And Reina is looking for improvement in his own performances next term.

He added: “Of course I can get better. Every player can improve and no-one should ever think they can no longer get any better.

“You have to keep on working hard every day in training and in matches and if you do that then you have a chance to become the very best player you possibly can.

“That is the same for everyone in football and I am no different. I know there are things I can improve upon and I will continue to work hard so I can try to become better.”

With 17 clean sheets from 37 Premier League games this term, Reina is one ahead of James, who has been ruled out of this weekend’s fixtures with a calf injury.

Reina said: “I will be looking to keep another clean sheet at Spurs because that would mean we will get at least a draw.

“That is always important. If you do not concede a goal then it gives you a better chance of winning games, so if the defence and the goalkeeper can do their jobs it makes it easier for the attacking players to do theirs.

“But for me the job is now done. We have managed to secure fourth place and from a personal point of view I am happy to get the golden gloves.”

Departing Miller Praises Benitez

Departed Liverpool first team coach Alex Miller has heaped praise on club manager Rafael Benitez after being allowed to leave Anfield in order to become a manager in his own right.

Miller, 58, spent four years at Liverpool before exiting this week to try his hand at management, with Japanese outfit JEF United Chiba. Benitez appointed Miller to the senior Anfield coaching role, and the Scot has said he is thankful for the opportunity to coach at Liverpool and for being allowed to leave to enhance his career.

"Rafa understood that I wanted to manage a club again. The players understand fully why I've left and they were very supportive on Thursday, my last day," Miller told Sky Sports.

"I've really enjoyed working with Rafa. He's a very good coach and we had great success in the last four years, when you look at what we've achieved.

"[First team coach at Liverpool] was a fantastic position to be in at such a top club. I worked exceptionally hard for years with numerous clubs to try to get to the top and he gave me that chance.

"I will always be indebted to him."

Liverpool face Tottenham at White Hart Lane tomorrow knowing that they will finish the Premier League season in fourth place, whatever the outcome, to conclude another season without winning any major silverware.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Almost Signed Dimitar Berbatov

Fernando Torres aims to write himself into the Premier League record books on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur.

But if the Champions League draw had been just a little different three years ago, it may have been a different Kop idol firing in the goals for Liverpool.

Torres lines up against Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov on Sunday amid inevitable comparisons between the talented strikers.

Yet it is a little known fact that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez came agonisingly close to signing the Bulgarian striker when he first arrived on Merseyside.

Berbatov was then leading the line for Bayern Leverkusen, and Benitez entered into extensive negotiations with the German club to sign the striker in the January transfer window of his first season in 2005.

But then Liverpool were paired with Leverkusen in the last 16 of the Champions League and negotiations were abruptly ended, with the Spanish coach instead forced to turn to Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

"We knew about Berbatov before we played them in 2005, I'd been aware of him since I was in Valencia. He was a player were were looking at closely," Benitez explained.

"Everybody can see the quality he has and we wanted him, but then the draw with Leverkusen came along and we couldn't get him. It is shame but we had to move on."

Benitez had to wait for three years to get a striker of Berbatov's quality but his patience has been spectacularly repaid this season, with club record £21.5million signing Torres offering a spectacular return of 32 goals.

And 23 of those have come in the Premier League. If Torres scores against Spurs on Sunday, he will break the record for a foreign striker in his first Premiership season, currently held by Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Benitez said: "We knew he was a good player but to score more than 30 goals in a first season in England is a fantastic achievement," he said. "To do what he has is incredible."

O'Neill Blasts Benitez Over Barry Claims

Martin O'Neill has dismissed as "absolutely crazy" Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's latest remarks in an escalating row over Gareth Barry.

Aston Villa manager O'Neill reacted angrily last week when news of Liverpool's £10 million bid for the England midfielder was made public.

Benitez yesterday claimed he was surprised by O'Neill's indignation because the pair had discussed the "idea" of a Barry transfer - which could include a player exchange - "20 days ago".

O'Neill today responded by saying: "What idea did I have? I've got absolutely no idea! I have no idea what he's talking about. It's absolutely crazy.

"It suggests this is a conversation that I wanted to keep going, to keep on the boiling pot. Absolutely not. It's a complete nonsense.

"This is not something I initiated and I certainly was not on the phone to him to ask him about his players either, which I think is something he's trying to refer to.

"That is not true. He mentioned players himself but I might not be interested in any of his players."

Benitez claimed yesterday that after the pair spoke, O'Neill told him he would discuss the matter with owner Randy Lerner and it could then be dealt with at the end of the season. Liverpool then made their official bid.

O'Neill reacted to this by claiming he was "particularly disappointed" with Liverpool's timing and by the fact it was made public.

He also revealed how unimpressed with the package he was by adding that Liverpool were not offering straight cash but "an offer involving a mish-mash of nameless player exchanges".

Benitez yesterday claimed O'Neill had known "everything about my idea and I knew about his idea".

However, O'Neill has rubbished suggestions that Benitez's remarks somehow expose their previous conversation.

He said: I'm absolutely astonished at this story, 'Rafa Exposes O'Neill'.

"I've never denied speaking to Rafa Benitez so how can you be exposed for something you haven't denied?

"I think Rafa is being very clever here. He gives the impression that there's been constant dialogue. That's simply and utterly untrue.

"He made a phone call to me - I did not initiate the phone call. He asked about Gareth Barry and I said: 'Well he's got a testimonial and two years left to run and he's our best player.' So what would the reaction be?

"I said that I would speak to our owner - obviously because he has a big, big say in the proceedings - and I assumed he would have the same answer as myself - that Gareth wasn't for sale.

"So I'm astonished to read this. The next conversation I had with Rafa Benitez was last Friday morning when Liverpool had put in a faxed offer to us which we received on Thursday afternoon."

Benitez: Barry And Alonso Can Play Together

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has poured cold water on reports that Xabi Alonso will have to make way if the club succeed in luring Gareth Barry to Anfield.

Liverpool have recently made a power-play by testing Aston Villa's resolve with a player-plus-cash offer worth £10million for their captain, who has become a key part of England's midfield over the past months.

The Reds’ sudden interest in central players has sparked speculation that Xabi Alonso – also linked with Juve – could leave in the summer, but Benitez's latest comments lend credence to the notion that they are simply seeking reinforcements for the two holding spots in his 4-2-3-1 formation.

"(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract," Rafa insisted.

"Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this."

Juventus will sure to be keeping close tabs on the Gareth Barry situation, as despite Benitez's insistence, the outcome of this should still have an affect on their chances of prising Alonso away.

Reds - Gerrard Bid Is Fantasy

Liverpool have branded rumours of a transfer bid for Steven Gerrard from Internazionale as 'rubbish and fantasy'.

Reports in Friday's press claimed that the Italian giants are readying a colossal offer for the England international.

However, the Anfield club has dismissed the rumours outright, with a spokesman saying: "The idea is complete rubbish, fantasy, there has been no approach and no bid."

Reds skipper Gerrard, meanwhile, has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the club, while voicing his determination to ensure Liverpool soon become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League title race.

"I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now, and what I would dearly love is to lead this club to the next level that I believe we are capable of reaching," he told the club's official website.

"I have won trophies here but there is one I am missing and I want that before I finish playing.

"I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race. I can see that the team is getting stronger and stronger and I can see that we are going forward.

"I feel that we are getting closer and I really believe that. We always say this every year but it will be an important summer because we need to keep the momentum.

"The manager's signings will be important as they always are. I have been lucky as a footballer and I've won more things than most players, but I am greedy because I always want more. I want to win as many trophies as I can with Liverpool."

Gerrard Wants Title Bid Next Year

Steven Gerrard says he expects to finish his career at Liverpool but is desperate for the side to challenge for the Premier League title.

The midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a move, and the club have dismissed as "fantasy" last week's reports of a bid from Inter Milan.

Gerrard said: "I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now."

But he added: "I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race."

Gerrard has played in two Champions League finals with Liverpool, lifting the trophy in 2005, but the side have again failed to keep pace with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.

"I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now, and what I would dearly love is to lead this club to the next level that I believe we are capable of reaching," he told the club's website.

"I have won trophies here but there is one I am missing and I want that before I finish playing.

"I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race.

"I can see that the team is getting stronger and stronger and I can see that we are going forward. I feel that we are getting closer and I really believe that."

Liverpool have secured fourth place and Champions League qualification, but Gerrard is keen to see more players arrive over the summer to strengthen the squad.

"We always say this every year but it will be an important summer because we need to keep the momentum.

"The manager's signings will be important as they always are. I have been lucky as a footballer and I've won more things than most players, but I am greedy because I always want more.

"I want to win as many trophies as I can with Liverpool. That is why the summer is important.

"We are a young team with a lot of promise and if the manager can get the right support then we could take an important step forward.

"We are disappointed we did not maintain a challenge in the league for longer than we did. The points gap between us and the top two is not particularly pleasant viewing for anyone here at Anfield.

"The boss is on record as saying he wants some players and if we get some of the ones he wants, and if they can have the same impact that guys like Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel and Ryan Babel have had.

"Their performances this season have seen us take a step forward. But I think there is a hell of a lot more to come from us."